Review: Taming the Bachelor by Caridad Pineiro

TAMING THE BACHELOR

Contemporary Romance from

NY Times and USA Today Bestseller

Charity Pineiro

Brad Evans doesn’t understand why a woman like Daisy Ramos would be interested in a guy like him. . .

She's the first woman who’s ever made him consider giving up his beloved bachelorhood, but falling for her presents all kinds of problems. For starters, she’s one of his partners in a successful biotech company. But worse, she’s the kind of woman who will drive a man to distraction and Brad’s not sure he can risk losing his focus or his heart to Daisy. But he can’t ignore that whenever she walks into a room, he wishes things could be different between them.

Daisy doesn't believe that a confirmed bachelor and beach dude like Brad will ever walk down the aisle . . .

Especially not with a woman like her. She’s known Brad for years and knows he’s never serious about anything. He flits from one woman to another and spends his free time playing volleyball on the beach. He’s not a forever kind of guy and her determined workaholic mind warns her that he’s absolutely the wrong man for her, but her heart says something else.

Daisy sat at the end of the couch opposite Brad, picked up her drink, and took a tentative sip. It was expertly mixed, with just the right amount of alcohol. What else should she have expected from a bachelor and playboy like Brad?

"Perfect," she said.'

Taking another quick sip, she looked over the rim of her glass at Brad, who was busy with his own drink, sampling it and smiling.

"Yep, perfect."

He glanced at her and raised his glass in a toast. "To good drink, good women, and good music."

His comment prompted her to realize he had put on the stereo during her brief absence. The soft subtle sounds of Sarah MacLachlan flowed out of the speakers. Definitely not what she would have expected Brad to pick out of her stack of CDs.

"Nice choice, but surprising," she confessed and gauged his response over the edge of her glass of gradually diminishing margarita.

Brad took a big gulp of his drink and gave her an equally big grin, displaying his perfect white teeth and the boyish dimples that drove her crazy. "My little flower. You always assume the worst of me, don't you?"

Daisy shrugged, intent on not letting him get a rise out of her. That invariably led to a fight and she had no interest in battling him tonight.

"No. It's just that you always struck me as a grunge kind of guy. Or are you too old at thirty for that mosh pit kind of stuff?"

Brad mocked a wince and put his glass down. "Ouch, Daze. Cut me a break, would you. On top of thinking of me as shallow and chauvinistic, now you think I'm too old for you? Not fair, sweetheart. Just because you're all of twenty-eight – ”

"Twenty-four," Daisy corrected.

"Only twenty-four," he stammered. "You started college that early?"

Daisy nodded and sipped her drink, trying not to show her hurt at his forgetfulness of her age. After all, they'd known each other all of seven years, right.  You’d think he know her age, but then again, what did she expect from someone who was not the perfect kind of guy.

"I started at sixteen. I was done at eighteen and went for my doctorates right after that."  She wished they could get off this topic. Men invariably became uneasy when faced with her accomplishments and her age.

"Wow. You are something, Daze. I've always said that," he replied, surprising her with his candor.

Daisy wasn't dissuaded. "The 'something' you generally think I am is far from flattering, Brad."

Brad shot her an embarrassed glance before looking away. "Yeah, well . . . I'd shock you senseless if I suddenly started singing your praises, but . . ."

He hesitated, met her gaze squarely and once again, broad-sided her with his devil-may-care grin. "As a mature man, I've learned the error of my ways. I've been hoping you noticed the change."

Daisy chuckled, unable to resist his boyish charm. "Now, Brad. If I started singing your praises like the rest of your groupies, where would that leave us?"

She regretted the words the moment they left her mouth since his mood suddenly changed, growing way too serious.

He shifted to the center of the couch where he could pluck her glass from her hand and place it on the coffee table. "Since I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy from the drink, it seems like a good time to ask since it gives me an out," he admitted. "Where would it put us, Daze, after all these years?"

Daisy was feeling all warm and fuzzy as well, but it had nothing to do with the drink and everything to do with Brad. In the background, there was silence for a moment, and then the sexy, sensual sounds of a song about surrender. Daisy acknowledged for the first time just where she wanted for them to be.

She moved, only a few inches, and cupped Brad's cheek. Beneath her palm, his beard was soft and a muscle ticked along his jaw. She moved her hand, running her palm across his lips, and against the chill from the drink.

Brad had never felt anything sweeter, anything more desirable than the gentle sweep of Daisy's hand across his lips. For so long he had wanted her, but had been afraid. After all, Daisy was the kind of woman every man wanted and yet every man avoided. Beautiful enough to bring you to your knees and sharp enough mentally to cut you down to size when necessary.

In the past, she had made her opinion of him quite clear, just as he had offered up his own sentiments on her domineering personality.

But lately, and right now in particular, he had sensed a change coming in their relationship.

And tonight, there was nothing that was going to keep him from taking it farther.

You can purchase TAMING THE BACHELOR here:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1DNXJJ4
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1DNXPQX
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1DNXQEz
Nook: http://bit.ly/1DNXUnB
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1DNXXjo
iBooks: http://apple.co/1DNXTjz



TAMING THE BACHELOR is also part of the JERSEY GIRLS Contemporary Romance Box Set:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/JrzGrlAMZUS
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/JrzGrlAMZUK
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/JrzGrlAMZCA
Nook: http://bit.ly/BNJerseyGirl
Kobo: http://bit.ly/JrzGrlKOBO
iBooks: http://apple.co/1DUcYmh

My Review:

I loved the fact that Daisy was a smart (genius level) workaholic.   I was reminded of myself and felt an instant kinship with her character.   She had so much going on but she made time for her family and friends.  Brainy chicks always fall for their seemingly opposite, but the surprise was that Brad was indeed a lot more like her than first met the eye.  He had a rougher path throughout his life and hid his own insecurties behind a mask.   The chemistry was undeniable but it was more sensual and an endearing romance as opposed to fire red hot.  (not saying that some scenes weren't hot..lol)

I enjoyed this book imensley and can't wait to check out the rest of the series!!  This is one of those books that will have you daydreaming about falling in love all over again.  Another sweet read by the remarkably talented Caridad!!

1/2

Cover Reveal: Weakened & Wrapped by Juliet Braddock

   

Weakened

Manhattan Bound Series #1

By Juliette Braddock

Cover Design: WLK Media

Synopsis

Against the glittering backdrop of New York City, budding theatrical publicist Maxine Kirk, fresh off the bus from a small Pennsylvania town, stumbles into the arms of her beloved teenage crush, unleashing desires that she never imagined.

Enter Drew McKenzie, a rising star on Broadway with dashing looks and talent to match, who masquerades behind the characters he portrays.

Instantly, Maxine finds herself lured into Drew’s high society world only to uncover a complicated man beneath the glitz and glamour of his public persona. As soon as the curtain falls, Drew sheds his stage costumes to reveal a daring Dominant side.

Titillated by his enigmatic life, Maxine clamors to discover a surreptitious and possibly perilous affair with Drew, all the while questioning her own preconceived notions on romance.

Secrets surface, revealing haunting truths that test both Maxine and Drew of their own intentions. But
 in this high-stakes game of trust, only the strongest survive.

 

 

Wrapped

Manhattan Bound Series #2

By Juliette Braddock

Cover Design: WLK Media

Synopsis

Sweeping through the glitz and glamour of New York’s high society and the drama unfolding in the dressing rooms of Broadway, Wrapped, by Juliet Braddock, continues the journey of a young theatrical publicist’s foray into submission under the tutelage of a dashingly dark star of the stage. Wrapped—the much anticipated sequel to Braddock’s critically acclaimed erotic romance Weakened—is the second book in the Manhattan Bound series.

When Drew McKenzie presents Maxine Kirk with an ultimatum, challenging her to engage in his wanton brand of desire, she readily embraces her awakening hunger for a lifestyle that defies her perceptions of romance.

Entranced by Drew’s charming appeal and by his sensual assault to her senses, Maxine clamors to discover every nuance of this new relationship, ravenous to explore verboten fantasies that seem possible to fulfill only with Drew.

Along the way, he introduces her to his glamorous world of wealth and celebrity—where lavish galas and luxurious gifts are the norm—and entices her into his realm of control with his tender mode of domination.

All the while, however, they both grapple with painful emotions brought about by the extenuating circumstances of their separate pasts.

While Drew remains both confident and conscientious in his parlay of power over Maxine, his own tragic secret lurks in every shadow upon his path in life. Behind the façade of his stage persona and the origin of old Manhattan society, he struggles to hide the unforgiving reality he faced as a child. 

Just as Maxine finds the strength to conquer her own torment with Drew’s patience and guidance leading her toward closure, terrifying truths begin to chip away at the surface of his composure.

As the nightmarish details of Drew’s unimaginable life emerge, he fears that this new world he’d begun to build with Maxine will crumble around him. As Maxine finds herself embroiled in the battle to save Drew’s tortured soul from the atrocities that continue to stalk his every move, two lost souls struggling to find comfort and completion converge.

However, as Drew opens his heart to Maxine’s unwavering support, he questions his own bravery, wondering if she’ll take a bow and make her exit…or if she’ll stick around for the encore?

 

Author Bio & Links

Juliet Braddock loves eighties music, wine, food, theater and all things French. When she’s not exploring the big cities of the world—most notably Paris—she lives and writes in Manhattan, and is the proud cat mom to a very spoiled Russian Blue rescue.

Website: http://www.julietbraddock.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulietBraddock Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulietBraddockAuthor  

Cover Reveal: Goal Line by Bianca Sommerland

Goal Line

The Dartmouth Cobras Book

Coming June 29, 2019

Excerpt

“Hello, sweetheart.” Dominik’s voice sent a dark thrill right through her. Deep and rich, like a mouthful of black forest cake so delicious she’d never forget the way it tasted even after she licked her plate clean. “I wasn’t sure you’d call me back.”

“I wasn’t sure if I should.” Sahara moved to the sofa, tucking her feet under her as she toyed with her hair. “What made you decide to call?”

“I missed you.”

“Did you?” Inhaling, Sahara shifted, bringing her knees to her chest and hugging them with one arm. “You were the one who told me not to come to the club until I knew why I wanted to be there.”

“This is true. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you.”

“You’re a Dom. You should be looking for girls at—”

“I’m a man, Sahara. Let’s not make this complicated.” His gentle chiding reminded her so much of how he’d treated her at the club. As a Dom who cared for her, but would never push her to submit. “We can have dinner as friends if you’d like. No pressure.”

Saying yes would be so easy, but she didn’t want ‘just friends’ with him. Not today, not after putting that wall up between herself and Grant. She didn’t need a wall between her and Dominik. “I thought it was a date. I…I wanted to know when you were coming to pick me up.”

Silence, and then a soft laugh. “I’d braced myself for a polite no. I need time to get ready, so let’s say around five-thirty?”

Less than an hour. She giggled, feeling unexpectedly giddy. A deep breath and she was able to give him a coherent answer. “That works. If you need time to get ready I’m guessing I should dress nice?”

“Don’t tempt me, girl.” The low growl in Dominik’s tone had Sahara pressing her thighs together and holding her breath. “If you give me the opening, I will tell you exactly what to wear.”

“What if that’s exactly what I want?” Sahara was playing with fire, but she didn’t care. With Dominik’s control wrapping around her like the sleekest silk ropes, she’d never felt more freedom. “Tell me what will please you, Sir.”

A chuckle that made all the hairs on the back of her neck rise and Dominik replied. “So naughty. Wear a red dress and leave your hair loose. I’m warning you now, Sahara. No matter how much you beg, you will get no more than a kiss from me tonight.”

Sahara’s lips parted. She swallowed hard. “Why would I beg?”

He let out a soft, amused sound. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

Previous Book in the Series

 

GAME MISCONDUCT - Book 1

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1cnf1WX

DEFENSIVE ZONE - Book 2

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zR4Gxk

BREAKAWAY - Book 3

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dW0mTH

OFFSIDE - Book 4

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zR4Kgz

Delayed Penalty - Book 5

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Eumh9U

Iron Cross - Book 6

Amaozn: http://amzn.to/1cnfpoc

Author Bio & Links

Bianca Sommerland was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. When not reading neurotically or writing as though the fate of the world rests on her keyboard, she is either watching hockey or teaching her daughters the beauty of a classic, steel pony while reminiscing about her days in Auto Body Mechanics.

Her time is balanced with utmost care between normal family life, and the internal paranormal realm where her characters reside. For the most part, she succeeds.

Website: http://www.im-no-angel.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BSommerland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-No-Angel-Bianca-Sommerland/201933239834387?ref=br_tf

presented by:

Nikki

The Girl of Diamonds and Rust by Susan Ward

Title: The Girl of Diamonds & Rust

Author: Susan Ward

Series: Book 3 in The Half Shell Series

Hosted by: Beautiful Promotions

BLURB:

Chrissie decides her fate by choosing the man she will marry. But which love does she pick? The love of a friend, or the great love of her life?

Does it matter the turns Chrissie takes? Or will her life be as it should? Can a woman fight her own fate? And is her perfect guy, as perfect as he seems? Does happily ever after come simply for Chrissie?

Secrets are revealed as The Half Shell universe collides with the Affair Without End series in a dramatic, unexpected, emotionally intense journey of a rich girl with dark secrets finding love with a troubled rocker.

 “Maybe this is love. Protecting the part of yourself most important to you and knowing when to let go so that you can keep a small piece of that person alive and real in your heart.”~~Chrissie Parker

“He will never need you the way I need you. He will never want you as I want you. He will never love you the way I love you. I don’t care if you are in love with Alan. I am in love with you.”~~Neil Stanton

“Just stay and be good to me.”~~Alan Manzone

JUST WENT LIVE~FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Hosted by:

Giveaway and Spotlight on: Summer's Family Affair by Cynthia Gail

Genre: Contemporary

Heat Level: Probably a 3.5 on a scale of 1-5. Open door but tasteful language.

Jenny Cohen defines successful independence: she put herself through college, couldn’t ask for better friends, owns a consulting firm, wears designer clothes, and just moved into her dream home . . . But she’s alone, except for her ailing mother whom she supports in a nursing home. As the marketing consultant for Chester, Dorsey & Tanner, she’s surrounded by male attention. Too bad it’s the overly-protective big-brother type.

Architect, Craig Stone, hasn’t looked at another woman since his wife passed away four years ago. His time is taken—building a career while trying to be both mother and father to his eight-year-old son. But when his appointment with the largest development firm in Nashville is double-booked with a black-haired beauty, he finds himself reaching for new possibilities.

The attraction sets off more fireworks than the Fourth of July. Yet, their relationship is riddled with issues neither one of them expected. Somewhere in the middle they must find a way to compromise or let go of a chance for love they may never find again.

AUTHOR BIO

My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our three dogs. When I'm not working or writing, I can be found with family and friends. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Central | Amazon

EXCERPT

Craig waited at the bottom of the stairs. He’d escorted Carla from the house without another word and had quickly cleaned up. When Jenny appeared at the top of the steps, his heart began to pound. She wore a pair of formfitting, faded capris, a white cotton dress shirt, and multi-colored low-heeled sandals.

He met her at the bottom step. “I thought we might go by the Predator’s shop this afternoon and pick up new shirts. We need playoff gear.” Standing on that last step, even with her heels, she was barely eye-to-eye with him. He took her face in both hands and read her uncertainty.

“I’m sorry about Carla.” He kissed her forehead, then her nose, desperate to erase the tension. “I never dreamed she’d be so disrespectful. You were marvelous.”

Jenny smiled and eased her hands to his waist. “I’m glad our introduction is over. I hope we can meet on a more even field going forward.”

He wished it were true, but the look in Carla’s eyes when she’d left did little to convince him. “She really is a wonderful grandmother and she’s been so good to me. It’s going to take time for her to accept change.” He just hoped Jenny wouldn’t give up on him.

“I know. I can see that she’s a good person, who loves her family. She wants what’s best for you.”

He kissed her. Squarely on the mouth. Nose to nose. “I owe you another apology.”

“Oh?” She lifted an eyebrow.

“I hadn’t kissed you good morning yet.” His lips touched hers again, as she slid her arms around his waist and snuggled deeper into his hold.

“Well, it’s almost eleven, which means the morning is nearly over,” she whispered into his ear. “You, Mr. Stone, better get busy making it up to me.”

He inhaled her scent as she nipped his earlobe. He went hard instantly. She had no idea what her simple touch did to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he hauled her against his chest, lifted her off the step, and held her in the air. She giggled, her eyes full of amusement, as her feet dangled. She was so intoxicating.

He took her mouth again, with the desperation of a drowning man. Need pouring from his soul. If he could only wake up to this every morning for the rest of his life, he would die a happy man.

All too soon, he knew he had to stop. He hadn’t wanted to get carried away. Okay, honestly, he did want to get carried away, but he couldn’t do that right now. He’d simply wanted to sweep her off her feet.

He slowly lifted his head and whispered into her ear, “Am I forgiven?”

She shook her head and giggled. “I don’t know. When my head stops spinning, I’ll tell you.”

He laughed and set her on her feet. Mission accomplished.

GIVEAWAY

The author is offering $10 Amazon Gift Card to a winner of the Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caridad Pineiro: Die for Love

This was probably one of my favorite Caridad books.  Why you ask?  I love the way she portrayed Ryder.  If your not familiar with this series, it has a wondrous mix of our favorite types of supernaturals. Ryder is a bad-ass vampire.  The depths and the layers she shows just in this one character is the reason I love her writing so much!!  Take a look at the blurb:

Loving a dead man can be brutal. Diana Reye’s pregnancy is draining her of life. Now she and vampire Ryder Latimer are faced with the most difficult choice of all. Turn Diana, or lose her and the baby. If Ryder chooses to save them, he risks the wrath of the Slayer Council and will be marked for his own death by their friend Michaela. Chasing a vampire can be consuming.

FBI agent Michaela Ramirez has been searching for the vampire who raped and killed her mother while acting as an enforcer for the Slayer Council. Since meeting FBI Director Jesus Hernandez , however, Michaela is losing a bit of her edge as she imagines the possibility of a life full of happiness and passion with her handsome boss by her side…and in her bed.

Living without the one they love isn’t an option.

But soon trouble comes calling as the vampire she hunts makes Michaela his prey. Now Michaela finds herself in a battle not only for her own life, but for her friends lives as well, as she and Ryder both make the difficult decision to break all the rules for love.




This was a great book! Have a look at my review:




This was a great edition to another wonderful series by Caridad. The best part about it? You can pick up any of the books and feel right at home...even though you may wonder about how the couples got together, and some of the back drama, it is an amazing book to start with!

This book is mainly about Michaela and Jesus. You watch how their relationship is tested in just about every way possible. The decisions Michaela is forced to make result in how the flow of their relationship, and the relationship with their friends will continue. Its not easy for Michaela because she has been alone for so long, she has no idea how to rely on someone and take others considerations before her own. She believes that friendship and love will make you weak. But she is a well of compassion.....and secretly hates killing. Such a charming contradiction our Michaela, and even though it is amazing obvious that she is totally in love with Jesus, she is struggling so hard to come to terms with it.

Jesus or J as she refers to him, is a power all on his own. Totally human, but a solid support system, and all the man Michaela(and might I say any of us?) can handle. He is loyal, loving, caring, all wrapped up in a deadly exterior package.

So there are a few surprises that pop up if you have read the series...quite a few actually. I truly hope that Ryder wasn't permanently damaged during his fight with the villain in this book. He seemed changed and lost in a darkness. Overall? It was an incredible adventure and I can't wait for book 5!!!

A little about Caridad herself:

NY Times and USA Today Bestseller Caridad Pineiro is a Jersey Girl who just wants to write, travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Caridad is the author of nearly 50 novels/novellas and loves romance novels, super heroes, TV and cooking. Caridad writes dark and sexy romantic suspense and paranormal romances for those who live to love on the edge. Her sweet, but still naughty side, Charity Pineiro, writes contemporary romances packed with emotion and humor. For more information on Caridad/Charity, please visitwww.caridad.com or www.rebornvampirenovels.com. You can also find Caridad/Charity on:

Twitter at https://twitter.com/caridadpineiro
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author
Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/caridadpineiro/
Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/Caridad_Pin...

Caridad also sends out a newsletter to her friends! To subscribe, please visit http://bit.ly/CaridadNews.


She's not only a great author but a wonderful person as well!!


Check out her series starting with this great edition:


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Entangled-Ignite-Reborn-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00H6EFD5U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430789606&sr=1-1&keywords=die+for+love+caridad